Texas Officials Say “Get Out Now!” After Levee Breach

Officials in Brazoria County, outside Houston, warned on Twitter on Tuesday that a levee at Columbia Lakes had been breached by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey and urged any residents who had not already evacuated the area to leave immediately.

Houston reservoirs that have contained heavy rains from Tropical Storm Harvey are starting to overflow, forcing authorities to release more water into the city’s swollen drainage system to alleviate pressure on two dams, Harris County officials said on Tuesday.

County officials are monitoring six neighborhoods around the reservoirs and encouraged residents in those areas to evacuate before the water levels rise.

The releases will add to flooding in areas close to Buffalo Bayou, which flows through the center of Houston, said Jeff Linder of Harris County’s flood control district. The downtown are has not flooded yet.